TERRE HAUTE —
The common view of Terre Haute International Airport-Hulman Field is that it is a gem of a facility that is underused and underappreciated by the aviation world as well as its home community.
But this week’s announcement by the Indiana Army National Guard represents an important first step in putting the airport to better use.
The Army Guard is in the process of relocating the 81st Troop Command to Hulman Field, a move that not only brings more of the airport’s facilities back to life, but also increases employment in Vigo County. The unit brings 32 full-time positions to the base and 66 part-time positions, which consists of “citizen soldiers.”
In addition to the nice $2.6-million annual payroll generated by the 81st Troop Command, its presence is expected to produce an annual expenditure of $275,843 for services, supplies and contracts.
The Command was relocated from Stout Army Air Field in southwest Indianapolis. The unit joins the 181st Intelligence Wing as a tenant at our airport along with the Indiana Army National Guard 519 Combat Sustainment Support Battalion. The decision to relocate the 81st Troop Command from Indianapolis was made to spread out Air Guard commands and increase overall security.
The people of Terre Haute and Vigo County have made a significant investment in their local airport over the years, and it’s good to see them continuing to see some benefit. Airport officials are working to market the airport with renewed vigor and energy, and developments such as the Army Guard unit relocation will help them tout the facility’s features and potential.
We join the community in welcoming the new unit. We’re proud of Indiana’s guardsmen and the work they do and are pleased to have more of them in our midst.
You can say that again
“Everyone deserves to work in a safe and smoke-free environment.”
— Alia Hazel, CHANCES for
Indiana Youth in Vigo County




